Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford police responded to a crash Monday at the intersection of W.

State Street and S. Pierpont Avenue — near CARSTAR Team JC Auto Rebuilders — and are investigating the cause while it remains unknown if any injuries occurred.

Just after 3:30 p.m. yesterday, a multi-vehicle crash on Alpine Road near Aldeen Park led police to close all lanes—police said no life-threatening injuries were reported as they investigated the incident.

Alan Varela, 48, was struck near N.

Second and Auburn streets at 11:05 p.m. on April 18 and died from blunt trauma after bystander CPR was attempted—police and the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office are investigating the fatal incident.

Magpie restaurant owners Three Magpies, Inc. won $34,000 in damages last Thursday after a fire in June 2017 forced them to relocate from 307 S.

Main Street when their landlords transferred property ownership to Urban Equities Properties—breaching a lease that gave them the right to buy the space.

Charles Jackson, 26, pleaded guilty this year to possessing a firearm as a felon and was sentenced to eight years in federal prison—he remains accused of the 2022 murder of Detrayvian Jones at Neighbors Bar and Grill and must appear in court on May 9th.

Dushawn Stallworth, a 24-year-old Chicago man, was convicted in Rockford of first-degree murder for the shooting death of 21-year-old David Austin on Oct.

29 at Auburn Manor — he now faces up to 85 years in prison with a firearm enhancement charge that could add 25 years.

The City of Rockford will plant 10 new trees at West View Elementary as part of its grant-funded urban forestry initiative and seeks 20 volunteers to help with tree planting on Arbor Day 2025.

Tree planting will start at 8 a.m. and a tree giveaway will begin at noon on Saturday, April 26—residents are asked to wear sturdy shoes and work clothes.

Regional first responders will join a full-scale disaster exercise at Chicago-Rockford International Airport on April 25 from 9 a.m. to noon to simulate a passenger plane crash—meeting FAA requirements as local police, firefighters, hospital staff and aircraft rescue teams practice their emergency plans.

GoRockford was named the 2025 Sports Tourism Organization of the Year by the Sports Events and Tourism Association during the Sports ETA Symposium in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The award—selected from more than 80 entries—honors the team for hosting events that boost the local economy and raise Rockford’s profile as a sports destination.

34th Annual RAMI Awards

7-10:30 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Ticket info not specified — Celebrate the achievements of the Rockford music community during this annual awards night.

Screw City Car Show

10 AM – 2 PM — Screw City Tavern — Free entry — Celebrate spring with tacos, music, and a showcase of cars, trucks, and bikes.

Bergstrom Corporate Headquarters Tour

5:30-8 p.m. — Bergstrom Inc — Free entry — Explore the heart of Bergstrom operations since 1971 and network with industry peers.

Steve Trevino at Coronado Theatre

8:00–9:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices starting at $38 — Experience a night of laughter with comedian Steve Trevino.

Fresh Finds Spring Market

12-5 p.m. — Rockford Wholesalers — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful day of shopping local with handmade goods and fresh finds.

Open Mosque Day

4:30-6:30 p.m. — 1110 Arthur Ave — Free entry — Explore the beauty of the mosque and connect with the local Muslim community.

Mother's Day Brunch

10 AM – 2 PM — The Standard — $35 per person — Celebrate with a delightful brunch and unlimited mimosas in honor of Mom.

Prairie Street Golden Apple Give Back Day

Rockford City Tin participant, Prairie Street Brewhouse, is giving back! Golden Apple will receive 20% of the receipts for purchases from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. Join us on the dock (or inside) at 200 Prairie St., Rockford, for some great food and drinks!

Lola Blu Solo Sunday Funday

2-8 p.m. — Louie's Tap House — Free entry — Experience the soulful sounds of rising country star Lola Blu with her captivating voice live on stage.

Info Session on the Impact of Property Tax Sales

Join us for an important community event focused on property tax sales and how they impact Rockford residents. This is a FREE event open to the public—everyone is welcome! 📍 Location: Crusader Community Health Clinic | 📅 Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | ⏰ Time: 5:30 PM | 📍 Address: 1200 W State St, Rockford, IL 61102